The sources have confirmed that initiatives are underway to establish support centres aimed at assisting those beleaguered by loan shark exploitation. These centres are projected to be open and ready to help the victims by the time the calendar flips to December, revealing their operations to the public.
The impetus for this came after a grand national survey was instituted by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday. The survey sought to understand the plight of those crushed under the weight of debts to loan sharks. Anutin, who also fulfils the role of the deputy prime minister, stated that the collected data will serve as an invaluable tool to devise holistic strategies to fight the problem of non-formal debt, a menace that has had a persistent presence.
The minister’s directive mandates that every province must initiate a dedicated debt centre and appoint a committee specifically for the purpose of addressing issues related to loan shark. This committee will convene either weekly or monthly, depending on the need, to deliberate on the measures to be taken and the progress of the debt centre operations.
Interestingly, the debt centres will deploy a myriad of channels through which the victims of loan sharks can enter the system. These would include an online portal accessible through a QR code, a telephone hotline, and a service counter located at every district office. This diversified approach is meant to provide victims with a variety of options so they can choose the one which suits them best.
As per the ministry’s requirement, monthly reports on the number of loan shark victims registered at the centres will be submitted. This will keep the ministry informed about the situation on the ground and adjust the strategies as necessary.
The urgency to take such steps stems from Thailand’s increasing household debt, which has seen an alarming rise of 11.5% this year, marking the highest in 12 years. With the average household grappling with a debt of more than 500,000 baht, they are often left with no choice but to resort to seeking loans from high-interest informal lenders, commonly referred to as loan sharks, to pay off their formal debts, contributing to their vicious cycle of debts.
Be First to Comment